asked the Minister of State for Defence whether he can give an assurance that the CS gas as used by Her Majesty's Forces in Northern Ireland has no adverse effect on children, bronchial persons and those suffering from heart diseases.

A Committee chaired by Sir Harold Himsworth is examining the possible long-term medical effects of CS. His first report on the medical effects of CS was published as Cmnd. 4173 in October, 1969. Part II is expected shortly.

asked the Minister of State for Defence whether Her Majesty's Forces have recently been equipped with new devices designed to discharge CS gas in profusion; in what circumstances these launchers will be used; and whether it is envisaged that CS gas will be so discharged against the enemies of Her Majesty's Government in time of war.

I assume that the hon. Member is referring to the CS
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bursting grenade with which our forces in Northern Ireland are now equipped. This grenade is designed to provide a rapid dispersion of CS over a small area when the smoke has to be used. As regards the use in war of CS I would refer the hon. Member to the statement made by my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs in the Adjournment debate on 21st May.—[Vol. 817, c. 1768.]